1 Depth of Field (17 page)

I held up my hands in surrender. “I vow not to try to steal your job.”

He grinned. “Thank you.”

For the rest of the night, we ate, sifted through pictures, and snuggled. I didn’t eat
all
night, but you get my meaning. Despite the seriousness of the situation, I enjoyed being with Spencer. The problem was as far as I could see, we were not a step ahead.

“At least the last couple of days weren’t a total bust,” Spencer said, and I twisted to face him.

“You heard what I told you, didn’t you? There’s nothing, and the pictures don’t have any clues.”

“Leave sleuthing to the professionals.”

I folded my arms across my chest. “What did you get from all that? Tell me, or are you pretending to have gathered something so I don’t lose respect. Don’t worry. I don’t agree with Talia.”

A look of alarm came over his face. “What did she say?”

I grinned.

“Fine.” He tucked another meatball into his mouth, chewed, and wiped his lips. “Ollie gave us something to go on.”

“The argument?”

“No the routine.”

I frowned. “What routine?”

“Susan and Alvin went out every Thursday and Saturday.”

“So do a lot of people. If this has anything to do with his murder, I doubt the entire town is in on it.”

“I agree.”

I was gratified because I hadn’t expected him to take me seriously. I didn’t know how much weight he would give my words. He tapped his chin, eyes glazed over as he thought. “If the dates have nothing to do with the murder, then I need to know that for sure, so I can eliminate the clue.”

“That makes sense.”

“Now where would they go?”

“Spencer, it could be anywhere. The nearest city is only fifteen miles away, and there’s plenty to do there. The next town is five miles in the opposite direction.”

“True, but I have a hunch it’s here in Briney Creek.”

“A hunch?”

“My hunches are rarely wrong.”

“Hm, well everything closes down at night here. I found that out the day I arrived and forgot I needed painkillers. Not even a drug store open. The bar maybe.” I ticked off everything I could think of on one hand. “The gym closes early both those nights too.”

“The gym.”

Spencer blurted the words and made me jump. “What about it?”

“The gym, Makayla. That’s where it happens.”

“What happens?”

“I’ll see once I stake it out.”

Electric currents tingled in the tips of my fingers. “I want to go.”

He frowned, shaking his head. “No, this is official police business. I can handle it alone, and if not, one of my deputies will join me.”

“You said yourself it’s probably got nothing to do with the murder.”

“When did I say that?”

“When you got your hunch,” I pointed out. “I want to go, and I’m kind of on the force myself.”

“That’s a stretch.”

“I’m the forensics photographer.”

“I think you like the title too much.”

I shrugged. “I help investigate crimes in my own way, and you made it official.” Yup, I was stretching it at this point, but I had a bone between my teeth, and I refused to let go.

“There hasn’t been a crime yet.”

“You don’t know that, Spencer.”

He flared his nostrils. A muscle jerked in his jaw. “I don’t want you hurt.”

“John Brinlee is more likely to lecture me on healthy eating than to attack, but I think you can take him. Besides, you said stakeout. Isn’t that an outside thing? I will be safe in your car.”

“Fine, Makayla!” He threw up his hands. “But if you step one foot out of my car, if you get in my way, I will forget how beautiful you are and how much I enjoy making love to you and arrest you! Is that clear?”

Well, what was a woman to say to that? I blushed to the roots of my hair and went all soft and mushy inside. Not at all in control of those silly things called emotions. “Yes, sir, sheriff. Whatever you say.”

Chapter Eighteen

Thursday night, as soon as the sun went down, Spencer and I sat in my car, not his, a half block down from the gym. We had a clear view of the front entrance as well as the side lot, which happened to be cast in shadow. In fact most of the street around this area was dark. I looked over to the salon, and although an enormous tree obstructed most of my view, I could tell the neon sign was off. I hadn’t noticed before whether Louisa shut down the shop earlier on Thursdays and Saturdays.

I swung my attention back to the gym. So far, nothing. The place seemed closed, but I thought I saw a faint glow somewhere deep beyond the front windows. The gym had been equipped with blinds the same as my shop, to cut down on the glare of the sun. I knew they could be closed completely, and no one would be able to see inside.

“We can’t see the back,” I said to Spencer. “If anyone enters by way of Westchester Avenue, we’ll never know.”

Spencer seemed unperturbed by this idea. “I had a POD delivered late this afternoon toward the end of the alley. No one is getting in that way unless they walk in, and we’ll spot them before they leave Main.”

“I’m impressed, sheriff.”

“We have a perfect view of the front entrance, and at least the mouth of the alley on the side.” He glanced at his watch. “Unfortunately, I don’t expect any activity this early. We have time.”

An hour passed, and I started to get antsy. I reached for the handle to get out of the car, and Spencer stretched across me to place my hand in my lap. “I just want to stretch my legs a little.”

“You don’t understand the concept of stakeout?”

I pressed my lips together.

“It means you stay out of sight. By nature, it’s boring, cramped, and if you do it with a partner, it can help pass the time or become that much more confining. Are you already wanting to escape me?”

I looked into his eyes for a clue to whether he teased me or if he was serious. His tone of voice gave nothing away. “I had a cramp,” I offered lamely. The arch of an eyebrow said he didn’t believe me, but he produced a deck of cards from his pocket.

“I thought it would come to this,” he said.

“I resent what you’re implicating.” Despite my protest, I reached for the cards and almost tore them from the box. When I began to shuffle expertly, using a few flicks of my fingers, surprise registered on his face. I grinned. “I’m a New Yorker. This accent isn’t just to entertain the locals.”

“You surprise me. Are you any good?”

“Remember that great aunt?” I asked.

He nodded. “Is this where she got her money?”

“Not her, her husband. Uncle Tim was a colorful character who made his money in interesting ways. He taught Diana and me how to play cards.” I proceeded to trounce Spencer in a succession of hands.

“You count cards,” he complained. “I thought you were sweet and innocent.”

“Are you disappointed in me, Spencer?” I admit to a tightening in my chest. I wasn’t aware I had put on any acts. Sure, I didn’t speak aloud the snarkier comments that occurred to me, but I was not all molasses and sunshine either.

“No, I was kidding.”

I paused in dealing a new hand and studied him. “To tell the truth, sometimes I can’t tell. You’ve got a great poker face.”

“I’d like to think it’s a decent face.”

“So modest yourself, sheriff.”

We stared at each other, the cards forgotten, and for a little while, the gym as well. Spencer removed the cards from my hands and laced his fingers with mine. I lowered my lashes. He massaged my skin with the pad of a thumb. I lost my breath. Then laughter reached us from somewhere outside, and the spell was broken. Spencer released me and turned to look through the windshield.

Two women exited the salon. So Louisa
was
there, maybe cleaning up or handling the books, I guessed. She said something to the other woman and waved her off. Spencer and I watched as Louisa unlocked her car and folded inside. She took her time about turning the engine over, as if she waited for the other woman to leave the area. I glanced at Spencer, and he met my gaze. I imagined we were thinking the same thing.

Louisa started her car and drove to the end of the block on Main Street. My hope faded somewhat, but then her break lights came on. She swung wide to the right, circled around, and drove back toward us. Spencer dropped a heavy hand on my shoulder, and we ducked down in our seats. Louisa’s headlights illuminated the car for an instant, but she continued on. Spencer peeked above the dash. When he didn’t duck again, I joined him and sat up straight. Louisa, the sly little thing, was pulling into the gym’s side lot. She parked where her car would be least visible from anyone who might happen along the quiet main road.

Spencer looked at me, and I blinked back. “What do you think she’s up to?” I whispered, as if anyone might overhear me.

“Guess we’ll wait a bit to see,” he said.

Louisa left her car and approached the gym’s entrance. Before she knocked, the door opened, and Allie Kate greeted her. They exchanged words indistinguishable to me, and the door closed. Voices sounded behind us, and Spencer and I scooted low again. More people, walking along the street. No shops were open in this block, so we knew where they were going. This time, Allie Kate waited until they knocked. Maybe she had been distracted still talking with Louisa. The newcomers were invited in. The door closed.

“Curious,” I murmured. Spencer said nothing.

When more people appeared on the street, some dressed casually, others garbed in fashions I would dub fit for a nightclub, Spencer rolled his window down. We caught the laughter and the excited conversation as the people passed. They spoke of inconsequential things such as how work had been that day. Yet, there seemed to be a charged atmosphere that hinted at excitement to come. Was that what they were up to? Did John and Allie Kate run a nightclub out of the gym? I was pretty sure they didn’t hold a liquor license, and surely, the visitors would protest against being served some of John’s healthy concoctions.

Susan happened along. I shouldn’t have been surprised since she was the only one we suspected of patronizing the gym. She parked next to Louisa in the shadows. Pattie arrived soon after Susan and before Susan could disappear inside the building. With interest, I watched as Pattie called out to Susan and jogged over to her when Susan stopped walking. Pattie raised pleading hands and said something. Even from our distance away, I could tell Susan gave Pattie the cold shoulder. She refused to respond to Pattie’s obvious pleas. In fact, she turned away from Pattie to continue to the gym. Once there, she gave a delicate knock. The door opened, and John appeared this time, holding a glass in his right hand. He offered Susan a wide grin, and Pattie who ambled up behind her.

Susan looked over her shoulder at Pattie, making the woman’s steps falter. I activated my mirror to lower it and struggled to catch their voices.

“Why are you here, Pattie?” Susan said, her voice tight with anger. “There’s no one else’s husband for you to try stealing.”

My mouth fell open, but I slapped a hand over it to keep silent.

“It’s not like that, Susan,” Pattie whined. “You were okay with it before.”

“That was then,” Susan shot back. “He’s gone, and I’m not going to accept it again. Nothing like that.”

“You’re worried about what people will say? Everybody knows.”

Susan’s mouth worked, but she said nothing. I leaned forward, pressed myself tight against the car door. I hoped against hope they would continue or at least drop more clues as to what they discussed. I had a pretty good idea they talked about Alvin and his habits. For her own reasons, Susan had gone along with it. Now she wanted to break all ties, but it looked like Pattie wasn’t willing to let go yet.”

“Come inside, ladies,” John called from the doorway. “You can discuss it in a private room.”

“I’m not sharing a private room again,” Susan snapped.

“Then why are you here?” Pattie shot back.

Susan bristled. She pivoted on her heel as if she would leave. I waited for John to call her back and try to convince her to stay. He said nothing, just waited at the door. After a few steps full of uncertainty, Susan swung around toward the gym. She started for the entrance, and John’s smile brightened. He pushed the door wider, and Susan marched past him, trailed by Pattie. The door closed, and silence reined.

“That was about Alvin,” I said to Spencer, probably completely unhelpful.

“I know.”

“He was involved with all three of them.”

“Probably.”

“So now what?”

“I go in.”

He started to get out of the car, but I reached for his arm. “Shouldn’t you call for backup?”

“I don’t think so. I’m halfway sure I know what’s happening.” He stepped out of the car. “Stay here.”

He paused to glance up and down the street and then jogged across to the gym’s entrance. The next thing I knew he disappeared inside. I waited, chewed a nail, looked around. No one new was coming. Spencer didn’t return. Darn it, I wasn’t staying outside to be told second hand what happened. I was going in too. Spencer could be mad later, but there would be nothing he could do about it. Besides, if he thought he didn’t need backup, then maybe the situation wasn’t as dire as a killer lying in wait to get us both. At least I hoped it wasn’t.

As I ran across the street, my stomach knotted, but I focused on Spencer and seeing that he was okay. Foolish thought I know. He was the trained cop with a weapon. I was little old me with nothing but a sharp tongue to protect me.

I came to an abrupt stop outside the door and pulled in a deep breath. I had no idea what I would find. Spencer said he was pretty sure he knew. I was still in the dark, unless they… I opened the door, and a flash of pink blinded me. I gaped, swallowed, breathed. Nothing made me feel better, so I shielded my eyes and stepped into the building, allowing the door to shut behind me.

The dim lighting, the music, all set the tone for a club. John approached me smiling. I heard laughter from farther inside the building, but didn’t see anyone but John—in the nude, mind you. I realized now he had been wearing a robe when he greeted everyone at the door. Now he had discarded it. I wanted to run back out, but Spencer was here somewhere.

“Makayla.” John chortled. “I knew I should invite you. I know a free spirit when I see one.”

“I’m as free-spirited as the next soul,” I said, “but…um…where is Spencer?”

John led me into the back. They occupied one of the larger rooms, which had been decked with the comforts of well, a nightclub I guess. Including couches and low lighting and even drinks. They were all in their birthday suits. I had no idea what to do with my eyes, where was a safe place for my gaze to land. Apparently, nowhere.

At last, I spotted Spencer. He stood among them looking out of place. Too many clothes. When I approached him not even a blush stained his cheeks. He met John’s eyes head on. “You are zoned as a fitness center, not a night club.”

Allie Kate grasped Spencer’s arm. “You’re not going to shut us down, are you, sheriff?”

He cast her a warning glance, and she released him to take a step back.

“We’ll talk in your office, John,” Spencer snapped, and the four of us left the party to go to the office. As soon as the door shut, Spencer spoke. “Put some clothes on!”

Allie Kate and John found robes and drew them on. At last I could breathe a bit easier.

John offered Spencer a seat, but Spencer remained standing, arms folded, authoritative and angry. “Explain to me why you have a swinger’s club after hours in your gym.”

Personally, I felt the couple was in trouble, but Allie Kate seemed almost relieved to be caught, and her husband appeared to be happy to present Spencer and me with the opportunity to join his group.

“No money has ever exchanged hands,” Allie Kate assured Spencer. “Not once. We don’t serve alcohol either.”

“Yes,” John agreed. “We’re just a group of like-minded people hanging out.”

At John’s words, Spencer gave a discreet cough. I looked at his face to see if he laughed, but saw no evidence of amusement.

John continued to explain. “Most of us drink before we come to the group if we want it. I take the law very seriously. We keep our club quiet because as you know we live in a more conservative area of the country.”

Spencer said nothing to this, and Allie Kate grew restless. “Are we going to be arrested?”

“I have a murder case to solve,” Spencer said. “But I would like to look around.”

“Look around?” My voice came out too loud.

He glared at me. “As part of my investigation, Makayla. You shouldn’t be here.”

I put a hand up to my mouth. I had been trying to keep a low profile as not to be noticed. All eyes had turned to me when I shouted, and I squirmed beneath the scrutiny.

“I’d rather not have the sheriff poking around here,” John said. For once the smile was missing from his face. “My friends like their privacy, and I do my best to uphold it.”

Spencer’s eyes darkened. “I only have your word about your deeds, don’t I? As it stands, I’ve come across secret activity in a building that should have been closed. I could suspend all operation until I conduct a full investigation, especially since there is evidence that Alvin Aston was a member of this group.”